Director of Development

Arlington County, Arlington, VA, USA
Posted on  

Job Description


The Director of Development develops and implements the fundraising plan based on existing and future funding priorities. In this hands-on position, the Director develops long-term philanthropic relationships with donors, solicits major donors for annual gifts, plans and coordinates strategic steps to reach financial goals, creates donor communications and maintains development systems. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.  


Job Duties:

  • Working with the Executive Director, develop the fundraising plan to meet organization’s financial goals
  • Work with the President, Executive Director, as well other staff members to develop the best donor strategies for relationship-building and gift solicitation 
  • Solicit major gifts in one-on-one meetings with donors or in conjunction with other staff members 
  • Develop, execute and monitor a direct mail program
  • Monitor and measure the effectiveness of fundraising activity (both verbal and written) to ensure goals are met
  • Oversee a master communication calendar and track current, future and pending solicitations (direct mail) and relationship-building activity
  • Maintain a good working knowledge of the organization’s programs and funding priorities
  • Update donor database and manage other development systems


Skill Factors:

Education: BS/BA or equivalent experience

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in direct major gift solicitation; experience managing a development office

Communications: Highly developed communication skills; strong writing skills; ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission and specific program-related objectives



Special Skills/Requirements:

  • Strong commitment to advancing the mission of the American Principles Project
  • The ability to interact with influential and high net worth individuals
  • Results-oriented, self-motivated, and strong organizational and management skills
  • Good judgment and maturity
  • Experience with Databases 
  • The ability to travel approximately 25% of the time